Treating a Urinary Tract Infection

Home > Ask Mister Private > I Might Have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Urinary tract infections can be painful and annoying. It's important to treat UTIs early on, so the infection doesn't spread to your kidneys. Read on to find out how.

How to tell if you have a UTI

How to treat a urinary tract infection

I Might Have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

A urinary tract infection (UTI) begins in the urinary system. When it is limited to your bladder, it's painful and annoying, but the infection can become dangerous if it spreads to your kidneys. Most women have at least one UTI during their lives. A UTI is caused by bacteria entering the urethra. Usually, this bacteria enters during sex. A lot of women get UTIs when they get a new sex partner, or if they have lots of vigorous sex. They're easier to obtain when you don't drink enough fluids, or if you have diabetes.

You'll know when you have a UTI. It will burn when you pee, and you'll feel like you have to go constantly, yet you won't be able to push much urine out. You could have pain on one side under your ribs, where your kidneys are. More serious UTIs include fevers and nausea.

A doctor will test your urine to determine if you have a urinary tract infection. Or you can use a home test like AZO to see if you have a UTI. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat UTIs. Drinking lots of water and cranberry juice helps alleviate the symptoms of a UTI. You can also try a cranberry and garlic supplements.

To prevent future UTIs, drink a lot of water and always urinate when you have the urge to—don't hold it. Make sure to pee after intercourse, to flush your urethra. Always wipe from front to back, which stops the spread of bacteria. Don't use feminine products like deodorant sprays that can enter the urethra. Finally, take cranberry supplements, which promote urinary tract health.